India is examining the possibility of WTO consultations with the US regarding Washington’s copper import tariffs. This potential action would be India’s third instance of seeking such discussions with the US, following previous cases involving steel and aluminium, and automotive sectors under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.
Beginning August 1, the US implemented a 50% tariff on copper input value for semi-finished and derivative copper product imports, invoking Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This section enables the US President to limit imports that are considered threats to national security.
“We are considering an action on copper, similar to iron and steel, and auto,” said an official, quoted by Economic Times. India exported copper products worth $360 million to the US in FY25.
On July 30, US President Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation imposing the tariff, which came into effect on August 1.
According to the July 30 White House executive order, copper imports into the United States are at levels that could compromise US national security. “All imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products…shall be subject to a 50 per cent tariff. This tariff shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 1, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such action is expressly reduced, modified, or terminated,” it had said, justifying the tariffs.
Earlier in May, India had suggested retaliatory duties on select American goods under WTO guidelines, responding to US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and auto parts implemented under safeguard measures. The US had declined India’s consultation requests regarding these tariffs.